Alberta
Alberta Sports Hall of Fame receives Alberta Heritage Award for Outstanding Achievement
From the Province of Alberta and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
Celebrating Albertans who protect our history
Sixteen Albertans and organizations are being recognized for helping preserve and celebrate Alberta’s history at the 2024 Heritage Awards.
The Heritage Awards, which are presented every two years, recognize the people, organizations and communities that are actively engaged in heritage promotion, protection and preservation. Awards are bestowed in three categories: Heritage Awareness, Heritage Conservation and Outstanding Achievement. This year’s awards presentation was held on Sept. 26 in Edmonton at the Queen Elizabeth II Building.
From Tracey Kinsella, Executive Director of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
We are excited to announce that we were honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Heritage Award last night, presented by the Government of Alberta. It was a truly memorable evening filled with celebration, and we are both humbled and proud to be recognized for our contributions.
This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we are grateful to be acknowledged among such incredible individuals and organizations.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey—we look forward to sharing this achievement with our community.
From the Province of Alberta
The 2024 Heritage Award recipients gathered on Sept. 26 to receive their awards.| The 2024 Heritage Award recipients gathered on Sept. 26 to receive their awards.
“Across the province, dedicated Albertans are keeping the stories of the people, places and events in our history alive. We are glad to have the opportunity to honor the Albertans who work passionately, often as volunteers, on conservation and awareness of Alberta’s heritage. Their commitment will help ensure that our stories continue to be told and remembered for many years to come.”
Alberta’s government salutes the winners and nominees of these Heritage Awards, and thanks them for their continued dedication to preserving, protecting and promoting Alberta’s unique heritage and culture.
The 2024 recipients are:
Heritage Awareness
- Beaver Hills Biosphere Region Association for the Beaver Hills Biosphere Video Project
- Clearwater County for the Nordegg Discovery Center Renewal Project
- YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Center for The Rogues’ Gallery
- Kyle Schole for the North Saskatchewan River (kisiskâciwani-sîpiy) Canadian Heritage River Designation Project
- Chief Sydney Lee Halcrow & Chief Roderick Willier for Oti Nekan – Treaty No. 8 125th Anniversary Celebration
- Sheri Peyerl for the book Alberta’s Cornerstone: Archaeological Adventures in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Heritage Conservation
- Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society for the Buttermaker’s House Restoration Project
- Sexsmith & District Museum Society for the Alberta Wheat Pool Grain Elevator Preservation Project
- Lacombe Heritage Resources Committee for the Lacombe Heritage Survey and Designation Program
- Dr. Peter Dawson for the Digitally Preserving Alberta’s Diverse Cultural Heritage Project
Outstanding Achievement
- Crowsnest Historical Society, Coleman
- Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Red Deer
- Dr. France Levasseur-Ouimet, Edmonton
- Karen Copley, Airdrie
- Donna Nelson, Innisfail
The Heritage Awards program reflects Alberta’s commitment to heritage preservation throughout Alberta. A total of 97 awards have been presented to recipients from across the province since the program rebooted in 2005.
Alberta
Alberta school boards required to meet new standards for school library materials with regard to sexual content
Alberta’s government has introduced new standards to ensure school library materials are age-appropriate.
School libraries should be safe and supportive places where students can learn and explore without being exposed to inappropriate sexual content. However, in the absence of a consistent standard for selecting age-appropriate library materials, school boards have taken different approaches, leading to concerns about safeguards in place.
In response to these concerns, and informed by feedback from education partners and the public, Alberta’s government has created standards to provide school boards with clear direction on the selection, availability and access to school library materials, such as books.
“Our actions to ensure that materials in school libraries don’t expose children to sexual content were never about banning books. These new standards are to ensure that school boards have clear guidance to ensure age-appropriate access to school library materials, while reflecting the values and priorities of Albertans.”
The new standards set clear expectations for school library materials with regard to sexual content and require school boards to implement policies to support these standards.
Standards for school library materials
Under the new standards, school libraries are not permitted to include library materials containing explicit sexual content. Non-explicit sexual content may be accessible to students in Grade 10 and above, provided it is age-appropriate.
“Protecting kids from explicit content is common sense. LGBTQ youth, like all children, deserve to see themselves in stories that are age-appropriate, supportive and affirming – not in material that sexualizes or confuses them.”
School boards must also regularly review their school library collections, publish a full list of available materials and ensure that a staff member supervises students’ access to school library materials. School boards will have to remove any materials with explicit sexual content from their school libraries by October 1.
School board policies and procedures
All school boards must have publicly available policies that align with the new standards for selecting and managing library materials by January 1, 2026. School boards can either create new policies or update existing ones to meet these requirements.
These policies must outline how school library materials are selected and reviewed, how staff supervise students’ access throughout the school day, and how a student, parent, school board employee or other member of the school community can request a review or removal of materials in the school library. School boards are also required to clearly communicate these policies to employees, students and parents before January 2026.
“A robust, grade- and age-appropriate library catalogue is vital for student success. We welcome the ministry’s initiative to establish consistent standards and appreciate the ongoing consultation to help craft a plan that will serve our families and communities well.”
“Red Deer Public Schools welcomes the new provincial standards for school library materials. Our division is committed to maintaining welcoming, respectful learning spaces where students can grow and thrive. Under the new standards for school libraries, we remain dedicated to providing learning resources that reflect our values and support student success.”
Quick facts
- The new standards will apply to public, separate, francophone, charter and independent schools.
- The ministerial order does not apply to municipal libraries located within schools or materials selected for use by teachers as learning and teaching resources.
- From May 26 to June 6, almost 80,000 people completed an online survey to provide feedback on the creation of consistent standards to ensure the age-appropriateness of materials available to students in school libraries.
Related information
- Ministerial Order
- School library standards engagement
- Reference Materials: Content warning: this document contains graphic content that may be disturbing to viewers and is not appropriate for young viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Regional health councils give Albertans a voice
Albertans want a health care system that reflects where they live and adapts to the unique needs of their communities. As part of the province’s health care refocus, Alberta’s government committed to strengthening community voices by providing more opportunities for Albertans to bring forward their local priorities and offer input on how to improve the system.
The regional advisory councils, made up of 150 members from 71 communities, will advise Alberta’s four health ministries and the newly refocused health agencies: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Recovery Alberta. Each council will explore solutions to local challenges and identify opportunities for the health system to better support community decision-making.
“By hearing first-hand community feedback directly, we can build a system that is more responsive, more inclusive and ultimately more effective for everyone. I am looking forward to hearing the councils’ insights, perspectives and solutions to improve health care in all corners of our province.”
“Regional advisory councils will strengthen acute care by giving communities a direct voice. Their insights will help us address local needs, improve patient outcomes and ensure timely access to hospital services.”
“A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not address unique regional needs when it comes to mental health and addiction challenges. These councils will help us hear directly from communities, allowing us to tailor supports and services to meet the needs of Albertans where they are.”
“Every community has unique needs, especially when it comes to seniors and vulnerable populations. These regional advisory councils will help us better understand those needs and ensure that assisted living services are shaped by the people who rely on them.”
Members include Albertans from all walks of life, health care workers, community leaders, Indigenous and municipal representatives, and others with a strong tie to their region. About one-third of members work in health care, and more than half of the council chairs are health professionals. Almost one-quarter are elected municipal officials, including 10 serving as chairs or vice-chairs. Ten councils also include a representative from a local health foundation.
Council members will share local and regional perspectives on health care services, planning and priorities to help ensure decisions reflect the realities of their communities. By engaging with residents, providers and organizations, they will gather feedback, identify challenges and bring forward ideas that may not otherwise reach government.
Through collaboration and community-informed solutions, members will help make the health system more responsive, accessible and better able to meet the needs of Albertans across the province.
“As Primary Care Alberta works to improve access to primary health care services and programs across Alberta, we are grateful to have the opportunity to tap into a dedicated group of community leaders and representatives. These people know their communities and local needs, and we look forward to learning from their experiences and knowledge as we shape the future of primary care in Alberta.”
“The regional advisory councils will help to bring forward the voices of patients, families and front-line providers from every corner of Alberta. Their insights will help us plan smarter and deliver care that’s timely, effective and truly local. We look forward to working closely with them to strengthen hospital and surgical services across the province.”
“Nobody understands the health care challenges unique to a community better than the people who live there. The regional health advisory councils are made up of those living and working on the front lines across the province, ensuring we are getting the perspective of Albertans most affected by our health care system.”
“Alongside Recovery Alberta’s staff and physician team, these regional advisory councils will build upon the high standard of mental health, addiction and correctional health services delivered in Alberta.”
Indigenous Advisory Council
Alberta’s government continues to work directly with Indigenous leaders across the province to establish the Indigenous Advisory Council to strengthen health care services for First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.
With up to 22 members, including Indigenous health care workers, community leaders and individuals receiving health care services, the council will represent diverse perspectives across Alberta. Members will provide community perspectives about clinical service planning, capital projects, workforce development and cultural integration in health care.
Related information
Dallas mayor invites NYers to first ‘sanctuary city from socialism’
Lacombe meat processor scores $1.2 million dollar provincial tax credit to help expansion
Canada’s Carbon Tax Is A Disaster For Our Economy And Oil Industry
The Left Thinks Drug Criminalization Is Racist. Minorities Disagree
Alberta Sports Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee profiles – Alpine Skiing Athlete – Brady Leman
Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Resets The Energy Policy Playing Field
The Digital Services Tax Q&A: “It was going to be complicated and messy”
-
Alberta2 days ago
Alberta school boards required to meet new standards for school library materials with regard to sexual content
-
Business2 days agoCarney government should recognize that private sector drives Canada’s economy
-
Alberta2 days ago
Fourteen regional advisory councils will shape health care planning and delivery in Alberta
-
Environment1 day agoEPA releases report on chemtrails, climate manipulation
-
Crime1 day agoSweeping Boston Indictment Points to Vast Chinese Narco-Smuggling and Illegal Alien Labor Plot via Mexican Border
-
Business20 hours agoCBC six-figure salaries soar
-
Business2 days agoCannabis Legalization Is Starting to Look Like a Really Dumb Idea
-
Bruce Dowbiggin2 days agoThe Covid 19 Disaster: When Do We Get The Apologies?